Detection of human α-defensin-1, an antimicrobial peptide, in the fluid of jaw cysts

Objective. The purpose of this study was to isolate and to identify an antimicrobial peptide, human alpha-defensin-1 (HNP-1) in jaw cyst fluid. Study design. We collected jaw cyst fluid from 22 patients with various jaw cysts and analyzed the peptide components of them by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HNP-1 in the jaw cyst fluid was identified by the amino acid sequence and the molecular weight. The concentration of HNP-1 in the fluid of various jaw cysts was quantified by HPLC. Results. HNP-1 in the jaw cyst fluid was isolated, purified, and identified. The concentrations of HNP-1 in the jaw cyst fluid ranged from 27.0 to 3725.4 mu g/mL. Conclusion. HNP-1 was detected in the fluid of various types of jaw cysts.